A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

I beseech you also brethren, &c.] Vers. 22 Some take it as though he required that audience should be given him: but I take it otherwise. ⟨p. 334⟩For in my judgement, his meaning is to say, that he hath written to them in few words, or briefly; to the end it might not seem he would any way diminish the ordinary manner of teaching in the Church: notwithstanding he speaks principally of exhortations wherein himself had been more brief. Let us learn then that the Scripture is not given us to the end the lively voice of the Pastors should cease amongst us, or that it should be irksome unto us, although even the words of exhortation do often sound in our ears, & shall be often reiterated. For the Spirit of God hath so tempered and compassed the writings which he showed to the Prophets and Apostles, that he meant not to derogate any thing at all from the order which himself hath instituted.

I beseech you also brethren, &c.] Vers. 22 Some take it as though he required that audience should be giuen him: but I take it otherwise. ⟨p. 334⟩For in my iudgement, his meaning is to say, that he hath written to them in fewe words, or breifly; to the ende it might not seeme he would any way diminish the ordinarie manner of teaching in the Church: notwithstanding hee speakes principally of exhortations wherein himselfe had beene more breife. Let vs learne then that the Scripture is not giuen vs to the ende the liuely voice of the Pastors should cease amongst vs, or that it should be irkesome vnto vs, although euen the words of exhortation do often sound in our eares, & shall be oftē reiterated. For the Spirit of God hath so tempered and compassed the writings which hee shewed to the Prophets and Apostles, that he meant not to derogate any thing at all from the order which himselfe hath instituted.

Now his order is this; that daily exhortations should be heard in the Church, from the mouths of the Pastors. Peradventure also he doth of purpose recommend the word of exhortation unto them: because that men as they are naturally covetous to learn, so they had rather always be taught some new thing, than to be admonished of known things, and such as have been often heard. Add also, that in as much as they are given to flatter themselves, and to let loose the reins to their carelessness; they will hardly suffer themselves without grief and unwillingness to be sharply touched, and chastised.